June 25, 1983 is still an unforgettable day in Indian cricket for on this day, 32 years ago, India won the World Cup cricket championship for the first time.
And, P.R. Man Singh, the articulate administrator, has every reason to look back with a sense of pride for he was the manager of the victorious team. What exactly did he do today? “Nothing special. In my prayers, I thanked God for making me part of what is now the cricketing history because of which people still remember me,” says 76-year-old Man Singh in an exclusive chat.
Not surprisingly, the seasoned administrator and former HCA Secretary did speak to some of the members of that World Cup winning team, including Sunil Valson, Syed Kirmani, but could not reach the then captain Kapil Dev. “I am glad that people still remember me for that epoch-making win. It will remain special. Like it is said that people always remember Tenzing Norgay as the first one to climb Mt. Everest and not all those who emulated him, likewise Kapil’s Devils are now part of cricketing folklore,” Man Singh remarked.
“It’s revival of old and fond memories, clearly loving every moment. No special celebrations, but this day will always remain as the most memorable of my lifetime. All those spectacular moments when we beat the Clive Lloyd-led mighty West Indians will be etched in memory,” he says, with a beaming face.
“I am glad that Dhoni and his team won the World Cup for the second time. It is by no means an ordinary achievement given the tremendous pressure of playing at home,” he explains. And, Man Singh takes pride in re-asserting that India won the World Cup without a coach and a single support-staff member.
“Those were the days when the manager donned multiple roles. I am glad that I lived up to the expectations despite the odd teething problems. I must give full credit to the players who responded in great style to the needs of the situation on the given day. It was a collective effort and the way the players rallied around captain Kapil was a treat to watch,” recalls the cricket administrator.
The seasoned administrator, who was manager of the Indian team when it won the World Cup, looks back on the historic win with a sense of pride
